Ayesha, Certified Postpartum Doula and Lactation Counselor

I am a DONA-certified postpartum doula and a lactation counselor with over a decade of experience in postpartum care. My journey started unexpectedly, in 2009, when my niece was born. At the time, I was working in Boston and was lucky enough to be at her birth, at Sibley, and home with her and my sister for many weeks after as their unofficial (daytime AND nighttime) doula. It was a precious but an intense time (with poop literally and figuratively hitting the fan), and I made the decision to certify professionally on the Amtrak ride home.

As a reproductive health provider and advocate for decades, my transition to focussing on newly postpartum parents and families seemed natural; and to this work I have and continue to bring what I value most: compassionate and collaborative care that is grounded in respect for parents' contexts and choices. As a - and as your - doula, I am humbled by the trust placed in me, at an unpredictable and vulnerable time, and feel privileged to be included in your postpartum village.

When I am not doula-ing, I wear a few other hats. I am the Editor for "International Doula," a quarterly perinatal health magazine produced by DONA International. I also work with a DC-based organization called Mamatoto Village, which is changing birth and postpartum outcomes for the Black and brown parents they serve. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of their team!

I live in Bethesda with my partner, Erik, our middle-schooler, and our large, lazy and loveable four-leggers. If you are ever in the Glen Echo area and spot someone dragging an over-sized English Mastiff, please say hello!